This page covers 3 recalls, 34 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Mazda MX-5.
30 mpg combined
7.8 L/100km
Two Seaters
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 MX-5 centers on the powertrain and steering. Owners most frequently report manual transmission problems, describing difficulty engaging gears, particularly third gear, followed in some cases by the transmission locking up entirely while driving. These reports point to a mechanical failure rather than a software or calibration issue. Steering behavior draws a notable cluster of complaints as well: owners describe the electric power steering feeling sticky or unresponsive after the car has warmed up, requiring extra input to turn and then snapping back harder than expected, which can cause the car to swerve. This symptom appears more likely in warmer ambient temperatures after extended driving. Airbag-related complaints round out the top reported systems, though the narratives there are less detailed in describing specific symptoms.
34
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a software error in the airbag control module that can cause the front airbags to deploy with excessive force in a crash, raising the risk of injury to the driver and passenger.
On automatic transmission models, a separate software problem in the transmission control module can cause the car to unexpectedly downshift and decelerate sharply without driver input, which can cause a loss of vehicle control. There is also a structural concern lower on the car: the underbody skid plate and its metal mounting bracket can detach while driving and drop onto the road, where trailing vehicles could strike the debris.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag sensor control module software at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The skid plate and metal bracket underneath the vehicle may detach and separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the skid plate at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control module has incorrect programming that may cause the vehicle to suddenly downshift and abruptly slow down without driver input.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with corrected software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
